The Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man collection is composed of four divisions including: Rhyming Poems and Storoems, Two Limericks, Acrostic Poems, and Free-Verse Poems.
Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man is a compilation of eighty-one odes covering a full breadth of subject matter varying from Guarded by Lions to Louisiana Alligator to Misunderstood Arachnids to Singing by Whales with all illustrating Gilleland’s increasing aptitude for verifying that any focus or subject matter, if touched with cleverness, can be transmitted into credible canto.
Because I had read previous offerings by this same writer/lyricist I knew what to expect, and was not disappointed with the reading. Gilleland has a unique talent; he takes common incidents, themes and ideas, which he then weaves adroitly in part through employing relaxed cadence.
Through his writing Gilleland causes the reader to reflect, consider, and deliberate life. A read through Gilleland’s work brings the reader to pearls including Unworthy a love letter to Linda - the author's wife, Let Her Be a Weed offers parental insight into why a daughter would be better served to become a weed than a flower: - weeds are tough and sturdy- flowers always need care- .
I too am a lover of critters, reading My Old Friend Rusty in which the poet tells of watching his dog, or in my case- cat, age and Putting Pepper Down relates how hard it is to face the merciful necessity for having to take a pet and have them put down.
Important thesis touching on divorce, political affairs, genocide, war, culpability, loathing, avariciousness, sorrow, including catastrophic incidents as Darfur, and Katrina, are placed along with others filled with bits of drollness, happier themes, and some wistfulness added through individual family narratives.
Spirit of America touches a particular chord for those of us who have had military members in our family as Gilleland pays tribute to past and present war heroes. A Soldier's Death is stark with the reality of battlefield and what the last thoughts of a soldier might be. My Angel on Earth is a poignant read introducing a man who is beside his wife of sixty years as she is nearing death.
While You Knew What He Was reflects upon the wisdom of taking a wild animal for a pet. Each stanza is one to lead the reader to laughter, reflection or nod in agreement, or perhaps not.
As always Gilleland addresses a diversity of subjects to astonish and enchant the reader. Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man is a work to keep and to give as gifts, to read and keep nearby to re read individual poems as the day continues. Mine is placed where I can reach it easily as I pause at the computer.
Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man is a satisfying follow-up to bard Gilleland's two earlier poetry collections.
Despite my own affection for hummingbirds, and Gilleland offers two separate odes, and my enjoyment of Halloween, and Gilleland offers his thoughts, AND my love of family and remembering those who are now gone, Gilleland does have words to address this too, my absolute favorite of the works is Dog Pack Attack that one five stanza ode is appealing beyond my descriptive powers.
Buy the book and enjoy.
Happy to recommend.
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Reviewed by Molly’s Reviews molly martin
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Product Details and Shipping Information from Amazon
Poetic Musings of an Old, Fat Man
Paperback 172 pages
Poet: Harry E. Gilleland, Jr.
Publisher: Lulu.com
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1435712420
ISBN-13: 978-1435712423
Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
Amazon, available on several sites online
